Minister of Planning and International Cooperation (MOPIC), Nasser Shraideh, and Vice President of the European Investment Bank (EIB), Gelsomina Vigliotti, on Monday confirmed that the close cooperation and the shared goal of strengthening support for high impact water investment throughout Jordan aim at improving water security and tackling the impact of a changing climate.

During the first face-to-face meeting since the start of the COVID pandemic, the two officials discussed the Aqaba Amman Water Desalination and Conveyance Project (AAWDCP) and a donor conference in Amman this week.

Vice President Vigliotti, during a two-day official visit to Jordan, has discussed the EIB’s role and support for the largest water generation scheme to be implemented in the history of the Kingdom, alongside donors and international financial partners.

Minister Shraideh said that Jordan greatly appreciates the participation of the EIB in the week’s AAWDCP pledging conference and the EIB’s ongoing technical assistance on this priority project. "Enabling Jordanian and international partners to join forces to support this landmark project is essential to secure water supply for future generations in our country and tackle the impact of climate change," he added.

For her part, the EIB’s Vice President said that investing in water is investing in the future, adding that the visionary Aqaba Amman Water Desalination and Conveyance Project will enable Jordan to adapt to the impact of a changing climate, increasingly scarce water resources, and a growing population.

"As the world’s largest international financier for water investments, the EIB has unique global technical and financial experience and Jordan is a key focus of the EIB’s global support for water investment. The excellent cooperation between Jordanian and EIB partners has enabled backing for transformational water investment across the country that has secured water access for thousands of people. It is a pleasure to join Jordanian and international partners in Amman and to discuss our potential support and cooperation regarding the AAWDCP," she noted.

European Union Ambassador to Jordan, Maria Hadjitheodosiou, said that Jordan and the European Union recognize the importance of accelerating investment to improve access to drinking water and adapt to climate change. The close cooperation between Jordanian and Team Europe partners, including the EIB, and the European Union, is strengthening the impact of water investment to benefit communities across Jordan."

The AAWDC project will supply an additional 300 million cubic meters of water annually to Amman and other regions of the country.

The EIB has provided technical assistance funding for the preparation of the AAWDCP’s Environmental and Social Impact Assessment and is currently appraising potential support for the project, subject to final approval by the EIB’s 27 EU member state shareholders.

Possible EIB financing for the AAWDC project is expected to be considered by the EIB board in the coming months

Backing water investment across Jordan, the EIB has provided EUR 770 million for water investment in Jordan over the last 38 years. This includes backing investment to improve water security in the Jordan valley, providing financing and technical support for several major water projects in the country, including the South-North "Disi" Conveyor and Wadi al Arab schemes, and backing improved water sanitation investment in Amman.

Jordan is a key partner for the world’s largest water financier. Over the last decade, the EIB has provided 32 billion for long-term water investment around the world.

The EIB is the world’s largest international public bank, owned directly by the 27 European Union member states.